Cigar Reviews, Cigar Ratings & Cigars at CigarMonkey

Cuba Aliados Fuerte

MonkeyDan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:07:39 GMT

While down at the Havana Smoke Out sponsored by the wonderful folks at The Midwest Cigar Summit, I was given a 3-pack sampler of the Cuba Aliados Fuerte Media Corona. Three days later they are all gone. This was one of the finest constructed smokes that I have fired up in awhile. This is my new favorite for the summer.

The Cuba Aliados Fuerte Media Corona measures a modest 5.5 x 44. It is tightly constructed with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. It is finished with a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper. This slow burning blend has a light toast flavor with hints of cedar. Oh so good! It is extremely easy on the palate and a perfect smoke for 18-holes of golf or just hanging out at the pool. The Cuba Aliados lit easily and had a smooth draw. It held a two inch ash before falling. This corona size cigar lasted for well over an hour. As soon as it was out, I wanted to fire up another one. These beauties come in a box of 20 for just under $70. For less than four bucks a stick, it is a must have for any humidor. I was very impressed by this gem that I contacted the Reyes Family to bring some into CigarMonkey, Inc. I should have them shortly along with The Reyes Family Premier.

Wow! What a wonderful smoke and very worthy of a Golden Monkey Award. I can't wait to get them in!

MonkeyDan Rating: 93

Reyes Family Premier

MonkeyDan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:23:42 GMT

Yesterday, I spent the day down in Havana, Illinois at the Havana Smoke Out sponsored by The Midwest Cigar Summit. I spent the day smoking with Big Luke and his father sharing cigar stories and trading each other smokes. One of the cigars he gave me was call the Reyes Family Premier. The Reyes Family is the maker of the Puro Indios line which recently changed it's name to Cuba Aliados. The Reyes Family is also producing a couple of lines that carry their own name. The Reyes Family Premier is one of those smokes, which was one my departing treasures after visiting the fine folks down in Havana.

The Reyes Family Premier toro is a gorilla size smoke that measures 6 x 52. I am happy to see that the Reyes Family is carrying on the tradition of big ring gauges from the Puros Indios line. The Reyes Family Premier is constructed with Nicaraguan fillers from the Condega and Jalapa Regions. The binder also hails from Nicaragua and is finished with a Maduro Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. This big boy lit easily and maintained an even burn. It is a medium -bodied smoke that has a sweet leathery taste with hints of tequila. The Reyes Family Premier is not infused, but call me crazy, I noted some tequila flavor towards the middle to nub (No, I was not partaking either. I was drinking water). The draw was effortless but did require a re-light as I approached the end. I smoked this big old stick until my fingers caught fire. It was a pretty damn good smoke. These smokes come in a box of 20 for around $8-9 a stick.

The Reyes Family Premier is a must try. I liked it so much I may bring some into CigarMonkey, Inc.

MonkeyDan Rating: 87

Hoyo De Monterrey

MonkeyDan — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:21:15 GMT

Today I was preparing for the big Havana Smoke Out sponsored by The Midwest Cigar Summit. The event starts tomorrow in Havana, Illinois at 1 p.m. until dusk. The event is free and will be held at the new Gas Line Lounge & Cafe's 4,000-square foot patio on Main Street. Food, drinks and cigars will be available for purchase and at 2 p.m. you can take a tour of the town with local historian Nancy Iona Glick. From 1850 to 1960 , Havana, Illinois was host city to over 80 cigar manufacturers. At one point, I am sure Mark Twain paid a visit to Havana to get his humidor filled; I plan on doing the same.

In preparation for the trip, I fired up an old reliable smoke called the Hoyo De Monterrey Maduro Rothschild. I have been enjoying these smokes since the late 1980's when they only cost two bucks a stick. Now, they run for about five bucks and are still worth every penny. They are constructed with Honduran, Nicaraguan and Cuban Seed Dominican fillers. They are then finished with a dark, oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. This is a full-bodied smoke that has hints of cedar and coffee. Consistent throughout the years, they always have an even burn and smooth draw. The Hoyo De Monterrey Maduro Rothschild measures a mere 4 x 50 and will hold a solid ash until you want to drop it. These little guys come in a box of 50 for about $150. They are as good now as they were twenty years ago.

Next time your at your local B&M, buy a box of Hoyo De Monterrey Rothschilds and fill your humidor with one reliable smoke.

MonkeyDan Rating: 87

La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel Maduro

MonkeyDan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:15:12 GMT

The Windy City hit 95 degrees today, so I cut out of work early and headed to the pool. After a quick swim with the kids, I fired up a Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel. I have smoked the Double Ligero before, but I never heard of "The Chisel" until a couple of CigarMonkey fans asked me to get them some. I am glad they did because this smoke is a winner in many ways. I must say that the Dominicana Chisel was a bit too strong for the summer sun, but still a pretty damn good smoke.

This oddly-shaped figurado (more torpedo) is dark and silky. La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel Maduro is strong and balanced. Flavors include wood and coffee bean, along with a hint of honey. The finish is spicy and leathery. It is constructed with Dominican Ligero binder and fillers. It is finished with an Ecuadorian Sun Grown Maduro wrapper. It is then tapered at the foot giving it the look of a chisel. You can bite on this baby and it will not crack, split or break. It is well constructed holding an even burn and a long ash. This baby is not for the cigar newbie. It will kick your butt. I picked this cigar up at a local B&M for about $8 a stick. However, you can find them on line for about six bucks. Either way, the price is well worth it. I highly suggest not smoking these in the hot sun. It will only add to it's power. While sitting by pool side, I started getting a little light headed and dizzy. I had to put it down a couple of times to grab some water as well as maintain my equilibrium. Needless to say, I smoke this to the nub. These are a must for any humidor and I will shortly be bringing these into CigarMonkey, Inc. Again, a great choice for an autumn evening by fire side.

MonkeyDan Rating: 92

Arturo Fuente Heminway Signature

MonkeyDan — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:20:27 GMT

The van was packed, traveling humidor stocked, the kids were in their seats and the dog was at the kennel. We were all set to go to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to visit a friend and go camping with our families. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and were forced to cancel the trip at the last minute. However, I could not force myself to tell the kids. Instead, we headed to the Indiana Dunes where the weather was a little more pleasant. One of the cigars I packed for my friend was one of my all-time favorite smokes, the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature. After we climbed Mt. Baldy, I fired this baby up on the shore of West Beach as me and the family enjoyed the Gary Air Show. It was a wonderful weekend considering me and Mrs. Monkey did it on the fly. For having no plans, we were able to make the proverbial lemonade.

I have been smoking the Hemingway Signature for well over fifteen years. I was surprised to find out that I have yet to review it. It is a great smoke that I wish my friend could have experienced. This is a perfecto #3 size smoke measuring 6 x 47. It is constructed with the finest Dominican tobaccos which compose the binder and fillers. It is then finished in an African Cameroon wrapper. This gem is easy to lit and the stick keeps it's shape as the ash continues to grow. Needless to say, it held an even burn along with an impressive ash. It is a medium bodied smoke that has a peppery flavor with hints of nutmeg. It is extremely pleasant on the palate and is a must try. The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature is worthy of a Golden Monkey Award. A box of 25 runs for $150.

This is a perfect smoke for any novice looking for a high quality smoke that is easy to find without breaking the bank. Find one. Buy one. Fire it up! Enjoy.

MonkeyDan Rating: 93

Arganese Pre-Release CL3

MonkeyDan — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:04:31 GMT

Next week Gene Arganese will release two new additions to his growing line of smokes at the upcoming IPCPR Annual Convention in Las Vegas. They are called the ML3 and CL3 which stands for "Maduro Ligero to the 3rd power"and "Corojo Ligero to the 3rd power" respectively. In short, I enjoyed each one but for different reasons. The ML3 was a bit more mild and sweet versus the CL3 which was very spicy and packed a good punch. Preferring stronger smokes, I will be review the CL3 today and the ML3 next week.

I had the privilege of smoking the pre-release Arganese CL3, which means these smokes are a little young and need about another month of aging. In any case, I enjoyed them throughly. Gene Arganese obtained the specifications of the pre-1993 Montecristos and basically brought that stick back in the form of the CL3. He copied the soil specifications, fertilization and used the same Cuban seed and blend to create the CL3. The new CL3 is a 1st generation Cuban-seed Corojo wrapper, binder, and filler grown in the Dominican Republic. It is a full-bodied, full-flavored stick. It will be priced around $5 a stick. Currently, there is one on-line retailer taking pre-orders for $98 for a box of 20. I fired up the robusto which measures 5 x 50. Even though these smokes were a bit young, they held an even burn along with an effortless draw which lasted well over an hour. The flavor was a powerful combination of pepper and spice. I would not recommend these smokes to a novice. They kicked my butt each time I fired them up. When these smokes become available, they are a must try if you like a powerful, flavorful, well-constructed smoke.

MonkeyDan Rating: 89 (pre-release)

Fuente Funte Opus X No.2

MonkeyDan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:46:30 GMT

My awesome wife surprised me with Van Morrison tickets! I am a huge fan of his and own well over 15 of his albums. However, I have yet to see Van Morrison in concert. The tickets were very pricey but it was well worth it. Me and Mrs. Monkey have always wanted to see him and were willing to splurge. For the occasion, I pulled out a smoke that been wanting to fire up for some time, the Fuente Fuente Opus X No. 2. To make a long story short, I am glad I brought it because the concert was a huge disappointment. We saw him at the Rosemont Theater and the sound quality was absolutely horrible. It felt like I was listening to an AM radio station in Siberia. I actually walked out half way through the show. It was brutal, but the one thing that saved the night was my Opus X No. 2. I left the show and walked over to Gibson's Steakhouse to drink a Heineken and fire up my smoke. The Opus X No. 2 saved the night.

The Fuente Fuente Opus X No. 2 is a torpedo shape gem that measures 6.38 x 52. As you are aware, the Opus X is a Dominican Puro. It was one of the best cigars produced in the last twenty years. It gets high ratings; it's expensive; it's rare and it's worth it. The Opus X No. 2 is a full-bodied smoke that packs a punch. The combination of tobacco produces hints of wood and leather. It must be stated that it lit like a champ and maintained an even burn. I smoke this cigar to the nub giving it a GoldenMonkey Award. The Opus X No. 2 comes in a box of 29 for $900 or a single stick for $31. Good luck finding them because everyone is out.

The Fuente Fuente Opus X Series is one of my favorite smokes. Unfortunately, they are way to pricey and impossible to find. Some good alternatives that are a little more readily available are the Padron 1926, Ashton VSG, or the Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve.

MonkeyDan Rating: 94

Punch Presidente Oscuro

MonkeyDan — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:59:40 GMT

Over the 4th of July weekend, my buddy Jimbo gave me an impressive looking smoke. It was an oldie but a goody with a little zing. It was a mammoth size smoke called a Punch Presidente Oscuro. It has been awhile since I fired up a Punch and it's been an incredibly long time since I smoke a Presidente size cigar. Further, I can't remember when I enjoyed an Oscuro wrapper. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the Punch Presidente Oscuro.

The Punch Presidente Oscuro measures a whopping 8.5 x 52. It is constructed with Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. It uses a US Connecticut Broadleaf as a binder and finished with an Oscuro wrapper. This combination of tobacco packs a punch that lasts for eight and half inches or two hours. It is not recommend for the novice smoker. It will kick you butt. With that said, it is a full-bodied smoke with plenty of flavor ranging from leather, pepper to a dark chocolate. It is well constructed by providing an even burn and easy draw. It was able to hold a two inch ash before falling on my lap. For such a large smoke, it fired up easily. In my experience, Presidente size smokes require some effort early on to get the baby lit. This was not the case with the Punch Presidente Oscuro, which made the experience that much more enjoyable. These smokes come in a box of 25 for $105. If you ever have two hours to kill, fire up a Punch Presidente Oscuro. You will not be disappointed.

MonkeyDan Rating: 88

Romeo y Julieta Aniversario #2

MonkeyDan — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:04:56 GMT

The worse thing about throwing a big 4th of July Party, is the clean up. Yesterday, I spent most of the morning sweeping up the street and cleaning the yard from all the firework debris. Afterward, I had to clean the inside of the house, pool, deck...you get the picture. So after all the cleaning was complete, I laid by the poolside all afternoon smoking a Romeo y Julieta Aniversario #2.

The Romeo y Julieta Aniversario #2 is a belicoso that measures 6.125 x 52. It is constructed with Peruvian, Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. It has a Connecticut broadleaf binder and is finished with a Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. This blend of tobacco produces a medium-bodied smoke that has hints of pepper and spice. It fired up easily and maintained an even burn. The draw was effortless and made the afternoon completely relaxing. Romeo y Julieta has always been one of my favorite cigar brands. I must make a note to enjoy these more often. They are a bit pricey running for $170 for a box of 20, which is a bit too high for my liking. It is a well constructed smoke that has lacked consistency in over the years. Beware! However, it was the perfect size, strength and flavor to make a hot afternoon relaxing.

MonkeyDan Rating: 86

Arganese Connecticut Ambassador

MonkeyDan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:10:46 GMT

After being on the road for the last couple of weeks, I decided to take this week off in preparation for Independence Day. Yesterday, my family went to Six Flags Great America in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. After fighting bumper to bumper traffic just to get into the parking lot, I quickly fired up an Arganese Connecticut Ambassador Churchill to gear up for all the roller coasters: Superman, Batman, Raging Bull, V2, and American Eagle to name just a few. As we arrived at the parking lot, I had some time enjoy this fine cigar because the kids needed to eat before we got into the park. Also, this was my last chance to fire up because it is a smoke-free entertainment facility. A day at Six Flags and firing up an Arganese Connecticut Ambassador is a great way to start off any vacation.

The Arganese Connecticut Ambassador Churchill is one of my favorite smokes this year. I find myself smoking a lot of these cigars lately. They are great for any golf outing, wedding, or when you have an hour of down time. This a light, creamy, well balanced smoke. It is constructed with Dominican fillers, an Indonesian binder and finished with a Connecticut Shade wrapper from Ecuador. This blend of tobacco produces a light-bodied smoke with hints of almond. As with all Arganese cigars, this is a well made smoke that produces an effortless draw and even burn. With each Arganese Connecticut Ambassador Churchill I smoke, I try to get an even longer ash than the last. I am close to getting a three inch ash on this baby. Give me sometime and I will get it. Who knows, maybe today. In any case, these smokes come in a box of 25 for $136.08. They are essential for any humidor. This smoke is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure, your golf handicap add improve your quality of life. Fire one up and try for yourself.

MonkeyDan Rating: 92

Ashton VSG Sorcerer

MonkeyDan — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:22:27 GMT

Last week while in Las Vegas, I headed over to Caesar's Palace to piss away my money. Before I can get to the Black Jack table, I fired up an Ashton VSG Sorcerer at the sports book while wagering on a couple of horses. Not fairing well with the ponies, I decided to head to the Roulette wheel. I sat there for quite awhile talking with the folks at the table and getting some of my money back. I took my profits and made my way to the Black Jack table were I lost five straight hands in a row. I must remember that Las Vegas was not build by winners.
The only thing keeping me calm that night was my Ashton VSG Sorcerer.

The Ashton VSG (Virgin Sun Grown) is blended exclusively for Ashton by Carlos Fuente Jr. using 4 to 5 year old aged Dominican tobacco taken from the finest and most fertile plants. The distinct flavor of VSG comes from its wrapper grown on a private estate in Ecuador owned by the Oliva family where this proprietary wrapper leaf is grown for the Fuente Family exclusively for Ashton VSG. The leaf is taken from the higher primings and matures slowly by sunlight filtered through the regions natural cloud covering. This blend of tobacco creates a full bodied smoke that gives off powerful earth and leather flavors. The Ashton VSG Sorcerer measures 7 x 49 and is a slow burning enjoyment. It held an even burn while holding a two inch ash. I smoked this Golden Monkey Award Winner all the way to the nub. These beauties come in a box of 24 for just under $400. A must have for any humidor. Best served at weddings, birthdays, Christmas, New Year's Eve and Las Vegas.

MonkeyDan Rating: 94

Puros Indios Viejo #4

MonkeyDan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:42:17 GMT

I just returned from Las Vegas where I spent an entire week of firing up high quality smokes. I was there for four days that were filled with meetings, meetings and more meetings. Any chance I got to escape from the talking heads, I went and fired up a smoke. I am not a big fan of Vegas, but what I do appreciate is that you can fire up a cigar pretty much anywhere. On the first day of the sales meetings, we had some time before the mandatory Welcome Reception. My cigar loving boss and I went to the poolside to enjoy a Puros Indios Viejo #4. We stayed at the new Palazzo Hotel, which is the best hotel I ever stayed at in Las Vegas. It was just opened this January and the rooms were unbelievable. The hotel lobby was huge, very open and bright. There is plenty of sun light shinning through this hotel, even the casino was well lit. Between the fine cigars and the new Palazzo Hotel, my stay in Las Vegas was pretty relaxing minus the meetings.

The Puros Indios Viejo #4 is one of my all-time favorite cigars. It is constructed with fillers from the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Nicaragua. It has an Ecuadorian binder and enclosed in a 10 year aged Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. This blend of tobacco creates a delightful medium bodied smoke. The Puros Indios Viejo #4 started off with a leathery taste but lighted up towards the middle of the burn. I noticed hints of cinnamon and spice as I approached the nub. The Viejo #4 lit easily and maintained an even burn that required no re-lighting. This smoke measures 5.5 x 45 and comes in a box of 15. They usually run for $50 a box. If you have not tried the Puros Indios Viejo #4, you are missing something special. It is reasonably priced and is a high quality smoke. It is a must for any humidor.

MonkeyDan Rating: 91

CAO Cx2

MonkeyDan — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:52:31 GMT

Last night my neighbors stopped by with three bottles of Pinot Noir. It was a surprise to me and Mrs. Monkey because we were ready to call it a night. Instead, the four of us sat at poolside with the fountains flowing and pool light shimmering while drinking every last drop of wine. It was a great evening just sitting around and talking about nonsense. Of course, this was the perfect opportunity to fire up a fine smoke. I chose the CAO Cx2 to compliment the Pinot Noir and conversation.

I was excited to try the robusto size CAO Cx2 because I normally fire up the larger belicoso. The CAO Cx2 robusto measures 5 x 52 and comes in a box of 20. Each box runs for $145 making this a six buck smoke. The CAO Cx2 is constructed with two Grade-A Cameroon wrappers. One is used as a binder that contains both Colombian and Nicaraguan fillers. This blend of tobacco creates a sweet flavor with hints of cedar. It is a very mild smoke that lit easily and maintained an even burn. The draw was easy requiring little effort to enjoy. The smoke did loose it's flame towards the nub requiring some re-lighting. However, once re-lit the smoke lasted until I put it to rest in my CAO ashtray. Overall, a good smoke and worthy of a try. It is perfect choice for the novice smokers out there.

MonkeyDan Rating: 87

La Flor Dominicana L500

MonkeyDan — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:07:00 GMT

Recently, I have gotten several requests for the La Flor Dominicana Ligero Series of smokes. I have not fired one up in quite a while, so I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. I stopped by my local B&M and picked up a La Flor Dominicana L500 to enjoy at pool side. This afternoon the kids were occupied with their friends, so me and Mrs. Monkey went to hang out at the pool. We just bought a double tube pool float complete with an inflatable palm tree. We climb on the tube and soaked in the sun and enjoyed the peace and quiet. While hanging with Mrs. Monkey, I fired up the La Flor Dominicana L500 and quickly remembered why so many people enjoy this fine Dominican creation.

La Flor Dominicana L500 is constructed with Dominican Ligero long fillers. As you are aware, the Ligero is the strongest leaf on a tobacco plant. Along with the Ecuadorian Sun Grown Sumatra wrapper, this is one powerful smoke. This full-bodied monster measures an impressive 5.75 x 60. I strongly suggest that the less experienced smoker shy away from this dark stick of dynamite. La Flor Dominicana lit like a champion and maintained an even burn. It held a good size ash and only fell at my command. I noticed a woody flavor with hints of nut and spice towards the end of my smoking pleasure. Due to the power, taste and fine construction, I was able to maintain a slow burn that required absolutely no re-lighting. I enjoyed this bad boy for one hour and twenty minutes. This gorilla smoke comes in a box of 24 for $130. In short, they are worth every penny. If you enjoy a full-bodied, great tasting, powerful smoke, La Flor Dominicana L500 with it's Ligero fillers is a solid choice.

MonkeyDan Rating 92

Griffin's Piramides

MonkeyDan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:04:36 GMT

You know you have smoked too many cigars when you walk into a B&M and you have tried everything they have to offer. This happens to me quite often and the other day I was stumped. I visited an old resting spot called Stogies in Oak Brook, IL. It is a small place with a great selection of premium cigars. After browsing their humidor for at least 15- minutes, a cute Polish girl who works at the store offered some assistance. After several recommendations, I asked her to pick me out one and I will buy it regardless. She didn't like the pressure of making such a decision, but after a couple minutes she handed me a Griffin's Piramide, which is a great choice considering I haven't fired up one in quite sometime.

The Griffin's Piramide is constructed in the Davidoff factory located in the Dominican Republic. This is a well balanced blend of three distinct Cibao Valley-grown, aged tobaccos and a superior Dominican binder and finished in a lush U.S. Connecticut shade-grown wrapper. The Griffin's Piramides measure 5.5 x 38/52 and come in a box of 25 for $135. It fired up with ease and maintained an even burn until the end, which held a good size ash that slowed the burn. I quickly noticed a nutty flavor with hints of cedar as approached the nub. This medium-bodied smoke is well constructed and a pleasure to smoke. I am surprised that I haven't smoked more of these fine little gems. The Griffin's Piramide will soon make it's way to my personal humidor. It is a must try and will not leave you disappointed.

MonkeyDan Rating: 89

Gurkha Warlord

MonkeyDan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:54:57 GMT

Yesterday, I left work a little early to watch the Legendary Tiger Woods capture the U.S. Open for the third time. I found myself in the town of Riverside, IL and ran across a little smoke shop called Cigar Oasis. It is run by a couple of retired firefighters. It's a small shop with a great selection and a huge plasma screen television. My cigar of choice was the Gurkha Warlord. I was all set to watch the last four holes of the championship. I was at the perfect place with the perfect smoke, and perfect large screen to watch some historical golf.

I was looking for something that I have yet to fire up. I then spotted a handsome looking antique mahogany chest with ribbed brass trim which contained the Gurkha Warlord. It is an impressive looking box that looks like a pirate's treasure chest. The thought being, these cigars must be worth the $10 on the price tag. However, I did not follow Monkey Rule #1, which states: Fancy Packaging equals Crappy Cigars (FP=CC).

The Gurkha Warlord is an impressive size churchill measuring 7 x 55. It is constructed with a Dominican filler, Nicaraguan binder and completed with a Nicaraguan wrapper. The cigar was firmly constructed, but it appeared a little dried out. As a fired it up, I could hear the tobacco crackling as it caught fire and there was no give in the bite. The Gurkha Warlord maintained an even burn and the draw was effortless. The first three inches of the smoke were tasteless. As the burn approached the middle, I noticed hints of coffee that turned into chocolate as I got close to the nub. You can buy a chest of 30 at any online store for about $190. Now at six bucks per stick, the cigar becomes a little more attractive. The Gurkha Warlord is a good smoke that fails to live up to it's $10 B&M price tag.

MonkeyDan Rating: 85

Coronado Double Toro

MonkeyDan — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:03:48 GMT

What is your top three favorite cities in the United States? Without a doubt, I know one of mine is Boston. My last night in Boston was spent smoking a Coronado Double Toro sitting on the roof top of Jillian's overlooking the neighborhood of Fenway. It was the perfect cigar, the perfect place and the perfect way to end a week worth of useless business meetings. After we bowled a couple of rounds at Jillian's, we headed up the stairs to fire up. The view from the roof top was impressive although directly across from Fenway Park, you could not see the ball field from our vantage point. Nonetheless, the view was exciting and the roof top was relaxing. As we sat around the table enjoying our smokes, the conversation arose about your top three cities in the United States. The majority of the guys around me voted for the following in no particular order: Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston.

The Coronado Double Toro is a creation from Litto Gomez at La Flor Dominicana. I fired up the Double Toro which measures a healthy 7 x 54. It contains a Dominican Corojo binder and is filled with Dominican Sumatra and Piloto Cuban fillers. It is then finished with a reddish-brown Nicaraguan Sun Grown wrapper. This combination of tobacco creates a leather flavor with hints of tea and a trace of spice. The Coronado is considered a full bodied smoke, but I thought it to be more mild than proclaimed. The Coronado Double Toro burned evenly with a tight draw. It held an impressive ash that slowed and evened the burn. However, I did have some issues towards the end. The smoke went out several times and I could not keep it lit. The last two inches became a challenge to finish and laid it to rest prematurely. A box of 24 runs for $160. Overall, I did enjoy the smoke and will probably smoke another very soon.

MonkeyDan Rating: 87

Padilla Habano

MonkeyDan — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:02:56 GMT

I am starting to really appreciate the city of Boston. This is my fifth time in this beautiful city and last night was the best night out of all my trips. It started at Cigar Masters where I purchased a Padilla Habano. I sat at the front window people watching and admiring all the ladies in their skimpy summer attire. After the finishing my smoke and downing a couple of pints of Bass, I headed to Fenway. After the Red Sox beat Baltimore, I headed to Dillon's and then McGreevey's for a few more pints of Harp. What a great night! What a great town!

I fired up the Padilla Habano torpedo while people watching at Cigar Masters. The smoke measures 6.25 x 52 and runs for about $8 a stick or $115 for a box of 25. The Padilla Habano is constructed with Cuban Seed Nicaraguan fillers and binder. It is then finished with a complex, rich 5-year old vintage Cuban Habano wrapper. This blend of tobacco creates a slow burning delight. I quickly noticed hints of cocoa and traces of leather as I approached the end. The Padilla Habano lit easily while maintaining an even burn. The draw was painless and the enjoyment lasted well over an hour. This gave me plenty of time to enjoy my beer, company and people walking down the street. The Padilla Habano is a must try for any cigar lover.

MonkeyDan Rating: 88

Avo #5

MonkeyDan — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:07:50 GMT

I raise a question to all the cigar smokers of the world. What cigar would you chose to fire up on a very hot and humid day? Today in the city of Chicago, it was 88 degrees and extremely humid. I was facing a long ride home in stagnate traffic. I was out of cigars and ran into a local B&M and grabbed the perfect remedy for my upcoming plight. My cigar of choice was the Avo #5.

As we all know, the Avo line was created for the acclaimed pianist Avo Uvezian by Zino Davidoff. The Avo #5 is constructed with fillers from the Ciabo Valley in the Dominican Republic, a Havana Seed binder, and a US Connecticut Shade wrapper. This blend of tobacco produces a creamy, smooth, and very mild smoke which is the perfect cure for my bumper to bumper journey home. It started off with a sweet caramel like flavor that produced earthy tones towards the end. This well balanced smoke lit like a champion and maintained an even burn all the way to my burning finger tips. The Avo #5 is a Corona Gorda measuring 6.87 x 46. They come in a box of 25 for $120. They are also available in a tube which would be perfect for any round of golf. The Avo #5 lowered my stress and made my ride home a pleasant experience. This is all that anyone can ask of a cigar: peace, quiet, enjoyment and tranquility. I got it from the Avo #5 and I am sure Avo Uvezian was enjoying one as well while composing "Strangers in the Night".

MonkeyDan Rating: 90

Diamond Crown #5

MonkeyDan — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:58:32 GMT

I remember smoking the Diamond Crowns when they were not available east of the Mississippi back in the early 1990's. Living in Chicago, it became a quest to find a Diamond Crown which raised the expectations of this elusive smoke. Now they are available everywhere and they are just as expensive today as they were fifteen years ago. I was very reluctant to purchase one at my local smoke shop because I remember being disappointed every time I fired one up. I haven't smoked one in years so I thought I would see if my opinion of this over priced cigar has changed.

I fired up the Diamond Crown #5 which measures 4.5 x 54. It's a short fat smoke that is well constructed with Dominican fillers and binder. It is then finished with a Connecticut Shade-Grown wrapper. This combination of tobaccos creates a buttery smooth flavor with hints of toffee. It fired up like a champ and maintained an even along with an effortless draw. The Diamond Crown #5 comes in a box of 15 for $140. I picked mine up for $13 a stick. The Diamond Crown is a good smoke but well over priced. When I buy a $10+ cigar, I want to be wowed. At this price, there are far more cigars out there to be enjoyed. The Diamond Crown #5 is just plain average. I will not buy another one until their price drops to $5-6 a stick.

MonkeyDan Rating: 86